Good news comes o’er the sea,
And tells of victory there;
The heathen bow the knee,
In humble, fervent prayer;
Long waited we to hear
The glorious tidings come,
Proclaiming victory there,
Where darkness reigned alone.

Refrain

Rejoice, rejoice,
Good news comes o’er the sea;
Rejoice, rejoice,
Good news comes o’er the sea;

The glorious Gospel light,
In splendor shines today,
Where naught but darkest night
Fell on the heathen’s way.
Brave Christians heard the cry
That came across the sea,
“Come, help us, ere we die,
Come, help us to be free.”

Refrain

They bade adieu to home,
To friends and loved ones dear;
They crossed the ocean’s foam,
They landed safely there.
They raised the banner bright
On Afric’s hostile shore,
The heathen saw a light,
Where darkness reigned before.

Refrain

Oh, see them coming home!
The poor, degraded race!
The Master bids them come
To seek His saving grace.
At Jesus’ feet they fall;
To Heav’n they lift their cry;
He hears their simple call—
He saves them ere they die.

Refrain

Awake! the sun is high;
The Master’s calling you!
Why stand ye idly by?
There’s work for you to do!
Your treasures, prayers and tears,
Go, lay at Jesus’ feet;
And soon we’ll sing the song
Of victory complete.

Refrain